I just received the latest issue of Emigre. I flipped quickly through the pages and the first thought that came to mind was “what’s the point?”. Let’s review, we have a music CD, the new fairplex, some not so good scenery pictures, a few cool drawings and that’s it. Oh! and a big-ass ad for InDesign. But it didn’t leave me anything to think about, other than I would like to buy Fairplex Narrow. Where is the content? the ideas?
I know 18 years is a long time to publish a magazine and that reinvention is a necessity, but what happened from this to this to this? They have definitely had an impact on Graphic Design, and I don’t know what I would have done without their ideas, and fonts, during my college years. Sadly I have noted a lack of gusto in the last two years. I can’t see them having material for another book of 10 years of greatness. Now, don’t get me wrong, I have enormous respect for Rudy and Zuzana and their courage to try anything, even if it’s not well received by other designers.
In this issue they mention the next one will go back to writings on design.
One more reinvention of Emigre.
I am still holding my breath.